Industry News

Savills Singapore has announced the launch of Scenery House, the final phase of the redevelopment of London’s iconic Television Centre. This new modern mansion block, designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects dRMM, completes the transformation of the former BBC headquarters into a thriving residential and cultural destination in White City.

Scenery House comprises 163 one- to three-bedroom flats, penthouses, and premium residences, arranged in a south-facing crescent around private courtyard gardens. The interiors, crafted by MSMR Architects and styled by Tatjana von Stein, offer a blend of refined materials and contemporary comfort.

The redevelopment, led by Mitsui Fudosan UK and Stanhope, has turned Television Centre into West London’s cultural core, featuring residences, offices, restaurants, leisure spaces, and creative industries. Upon completion, the site will accommodate around 1,000 residents and provide office space for 4,000 people, alongside television studios and cinemas.

Residents of Scenery House will benefit from a range of amenities, including private lounges, cinema rooms, and wellness facilities. A nearby Soho House-managed gym and swimming pool further enhance the community’s focus on wellbeing and lifestyle. The location offers excellent connectivity to the West End, the City, and Heathrow, whilst maintaining the creative spirit of White City.

Adrian Lim, Senior Director and Head of International Residential Sales at Savills Singapore, highlighted the investment potential, stating, “Scenery House offers a rare opportunity to own a home within a proven London landmark, underpinned by strong fundamentals.”

The launch event for Scenery House is scheduled for 31 January and 1 February 2026 at the Voco Orchard Hotel.

The Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) has achieved a significant milestone by ranking first among non-academic institutes in ophthalmology on the American scholarly analytics platform ScholarGPS. This accomplishment, announced in December 2025, also places SERI second overall among all institutes globally in the field, based on data from the past five years.

SERI’s rise in the rankings underscores its longstanding commitment to advancing ophthalmic research and biopharmaceuticals. Since its establishment in 1997, the institute has been pivotal in positioning Singapore as a hub for medical research and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region. ScholarGPS evaluates institutions on metrics such as research output and citation impact, and SERI’s performance reflects its dedication to cutting-edge research and clinical excellence.

Key areas of SERI’s research include diabetic retinopathy, myopia, and glaucoma, with newer ventures into artificial intelligence and digital health. Executive Director Jodhbir Mehta stated, “This milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our research teams, clinician-scientists, and support staff who have worked tirelessly to advance the frontiers of ophthalmology research.”

SERI’s translational research has led to tangible patient benefits, such as the development of Vabysmo, a treatment reducing injection frequency for diabetic eye diseases, and Myopine, an eye drop for childhood myopia. The institute has also pioneered devices like the EndoGlide for corneal transplants and the Singapore Eye Lesion Analyser (SELENA+), an AI tool for detecting diabetes-related eye diseases.

As SERI continues to build on its achievements, it remains at the forefront of integrating innovative research into practical applications, enhancing patient outcomes globally.

OUE REIT Management Pte. Ltd. has reported a 10.6% year-on-year increase in Distribution per Unit (DPU) to 1.25 Singapore cents for the second half of 2025. This growth is attributed to resilient operating performance across its portfolio and a strengthened capital structure, which capitalised on a lower interest rate environment. Excluding capital distribution from the previous year, the core DPU saw a 15.7% rise.

The financial results for the period from 1 July to 31 December 2025 highlighted a significant 18% reduction in finance costs. The commercial segment experienced a like-for-like revenue and net property income (NPI) increase of 4.2% and 5.7% respectively. Meanwhile, the hospitality segment’s NPI grew by 4.5%, with revenue per available room (RevPAR) steady at S$277.

Despite a 4.2% decline in overall revenue to S$142.5m, due to the divestment of Lippo Plaza Shanghai, like-for-like revenue and NPI increased by 2.9% and 5.2% respectively. The total amount distributed for the financial year ending 31 December 2025 was S$123.8m, with a DPU of 2.23 Singapore cents, reflecting a distribution yield of 6.2%.

CEO Han Khim Siew noted the portfolio’s resilience amid global uncertainties, emphasising the strategic divestment of Lippo Plaza Shanghai and proactive capital management. Looking forward, OUE REIT aims to optimise asset performance and explore opportunities in Sydney’s prime business district, focusing on sustainable growth for its unitholders.

Fingular, a Singapore-based global fintech holding, has successfully closed its first external debt financing round, securing a S$10 million credit line through the Kilde peer-to-peer investment platform. This financing will bolster the company’s expansion efforts in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on Malaysia, where demand for digital financial solutions is robust.

The financing deal was structured via Kilde, a platform that connects family offices, funds, and accredited investors to private credit opportunities across Europe and Asia. Kilde specialises in senior-secured lending to consumer and SME lending platforms, offering investors double-digit returns. Fingular’s CEO, Maxim Chernushchenko, stated, “This financing strengthens our balance sheet and provides additional flexibility to execute our regional growth strategy.”

Aalto Capital, acting as the exclusive debt and financial adviser, supported Fingular throughout the transaction. Manfred Steinbeisser, Managing Partner at Aalto Capital Group, remarked, “Southeast Asia represents a compelling growth market for financial services, with strong fundamentals and long-term potential.”

In Malaysia, Fingular’s consumer financing brand, Tambadana, has already issued over US$150m in total consumer financing, processing approximately 600,000 individual cases since its launch. This demonstrates the strong demand for digital financial solutions in the region.

Fingular, founded in October 2021, aims to build a full-service neo-bank promoting financial inclusion across Asia and the Middle East. The company continues to explore additional investment opportunities and is in discussions with several interested funds.

Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, has announced the launch of its new Tap to Pay on iPhone feature, allowing merchant-partners in Singapore to accept contactless payments seamlessly. This development marks a significant step in enhancing the payment experience for both merchants and consumers in the region.

The Tap to Pay on iPhone feature enables merchants to use their iPhones as a payment terminal, eliminating the need for additional hardware. This innovation is expected to streamline transactions, making it easier for businesses to manage payments efficiently. The feature supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, as well as digital wallets.

According to Grab, this new capability is part of their ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive solutions for businesses. “By working with Apple, we’re offering a simpler and more cost-efficient way for merchants of all sizes to accept contactless payments using just the Grab Merchant app on their iPhone,” Julianne Heng, Regional Head of Payments in Grab stated.

Tap to Pay on iPhone enables Grab customers to use a contactless payment acceptance solution that is easy to set up and use. Merchants can unlock contactless payment acceptance within minutes through the Grab Merchant iOS app on an iPhone XS or later, running the latest version of iOS.

Looking ahead, Grab plans to expand this feature to other markets in Southeast Asia, further solidifying its role as a leader in digital payment solutions. As businesses increasingly adopt digital tools, Grab’s Tap to Pay on iPhone is set to play a crucial role in facilitating seamless and efficient transactions across the region.

Singapore’s manufacturing sector experienced an 8.3% increase in output in December 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the Singapore Economic Development Board. Excluding the biomedical manufacturing sector, the output saw a more significant rise of 16%. However, on a seasonally adjusted month-on-month basis, the overall manufacturing output fell by 13.3%, with a 4.9% decrease when excluding biomedical manufacturing.

The electronics cluster led the growth, with a 30.8% year-on-year increase, driven by a 32.4% rise in the semiconductors segment due to strong demand for AI-related products. Other segments, such as electronic modules and components, and infocomms and consumer electronics, also contributed to the growth, despite a 5.4% contraction in computer peripherals and data storage.

Transport engineering output grew by 19.9% year-on-year, bolstered by a 35.9% expansion in the aerospace segment, which benefited from increased production of aircraft parts and maintenance jobs. The marine and offshore segment also saw an 8.5% rise due to higher activity in oil rigs and offshore platforms.

In contrast, the biomedical manufacturing sector faced a 38.8% decline in December, primarily due to a 69.7% drop in the pharmaceuticals segment. However, the medical technology segment grew by 4.4%, supported by robust demand for medical devices.

The chemicals cluster experienced a slight decline of 1.6%, with the petrochemicals segment dropping 23.2% due to weak demand and plant maintenance shutdowns. The general manufacturing industries remained flat, with notable growth in the food, beverages, and tobacco segment, which increased by 6.3%.

The next update on Singapore’s manufacturing performance is scheduled for 26 February 2026.

Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) has partnered with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) to unveil six GiraffeSG StatueBenches, designed by NAFA alumni artists, to promote everyday acts of kindness. The initiative, launched on 27 January 2026, aims to support the national Forward Singapore vision by encouraging residents to engage in simple, practical acts of goodwill.

The GiraffeSG StatueBenches, inspired by the giraffe’s trait of “sticking its neck out,” are functional artworks placed in public spaces across Singapore. These installations, designed around themes of inclusion, care, and collective action, aim to inspire citizens to engage in small acts of care. The launch event, held at NAFA, was officiated by Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District, and attended by participating artists and venue partners.

Phua stated, “GiraffeSG Central is our way of turning doing good into action, not just words. I thank NAFA, our artists, and our venue partners for stepping forward with us.” The statue benches will be displayed at high-traffic locations such as Gardens by the Bay, National Gallery Singapore, and VivoCity, inviting the public to pause, reflect, and take action.

NAFA President Tan-Soh Wai Lan highlighted the educational aspect, saying, “Our alumni artists have translated values of care, inclusion, and responsibility into meaningful works of art.” The project marks the first creative collaboration between Central Singapore CDC and NAFA, aiming to make doing good a part of everyday life.

FedEx has announced the addition of eight electric Mercedes-Benz eVito panel vans to its Singapore delivery fleet, marking a significant step in its sustainability efforts. This expansion means that over a quarter of FedEx’s local fleet is now electric, aligning with the company’s global goal of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040. The new vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features, such as a 360° parking camera and Multibeam headlamps, and have a load capacity of 923 kg with a range of up to 321 km per charge.

The introduction of these electric vehicles (EVs) is part of FedEx’s broader strategy to reduce emissions and promote sustainable logistics. Eric Tan, managing director of FedEx Singapore, stated, “Our expansion of electric vehicles in Singapore is a testament to transforming urban logistics to be safer, smarter, and more efficient, whilst reducing emissions.”

FedEx’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its integration of solar energy at its South Pacific Regional Hub, where the EVs are stationed. Since January 2025, over half of the hub’s electricity has been generated from on-site solar panels.

In addition to fleet electrification, FedEx is investing in technologies like AI-powered route optimisation tools to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The company is also using sustainable aviation fuel at key airports and deploying electric vehicles across several Asia Pacific markets, including Japan, Australia, and South Korea.

As FedEx continues to innovate and invest in sustainable practices, it aims to support businesses in making lower-emission shipping decisions, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.

Trip.com Group has reported a significant 45% increase in bookings for short holidays among Singaporeans in the first quarter of 2026. This surge is primarily driven by working adults aged 25 to 49, who are taking advantage of the upcoming seven long weekends to plan quick overseas escapes. Popular destinations include Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou, which are favoured for their accessibility and convenience.

The trend towards short holidays is further fuelled by live entertainment events. Notably, the Mayday #5525 Live Tour in Kuala Lumpur on 31 January is among the top attractions booked by Singaporean travellers. Other popular attractions include Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort, and The Palace Museum in Beijing.

Trip.com Group’s Trip.Planner tool is aiding travellers in organising their long weekend trips by offering personalised itineraries that cater to individual travel styles. The tool provides recommendations for flights, hotels, and attractions, making it easier for users to plan their trips efficiently.

As Singaporeans continue to seek quick getaways, the travel industry anticipates a busy year ahead, with the long weekends providing ample opportunities for short holidays. This trend highlights a growing preference for brief, yet fulfilling travel experiences among Singaporeans.

Trust Bank has announced its new service, becoming the first banking app in Singapore to offer fractional trading for US stocks and exchange-traded funds. This innovative feature allows users to purchase portions of shares, making stock market investment more accessible to a broader audience.

The bank has partnered with Saxo Singapore to give access to over 7,000 US stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) through the Trust App.

Trust Bank is offering zero commission on trades until 30 June 2026. Customers can win free fractional stock worth up to US$500 when they make their first trade of at least US$1,000.

Trust Bank’s move aligns with a growing trend of financial institutions leveraging technology to enhance customer experience and broaden investment opportunities. The app’s new feature is expected to attract a diverse range of investors, from novices to seasoned traders, by offering flexibility and affordability.